TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 April 30, 2012
TOWN COUNCIL – Special Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Delnicki called the Special Meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Saud M. Anwar
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu
Councillor Ed Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
3. Public Participation
Ms. Susan Loomis, who is a pre-school teacher in the Recreation Department came before the Town Council to invite the Town Council to visit the pre-school program at the Community Center and ask any questions regarding the program.
Mr. Eric Prouse, 505 Cat Tail Lane in Manchester, who is the Chairperson for the Six Town Cable Advisory Council came before the Town Council. He explained that this is an advisory council for Manchester, Glastonbury, South Windsor, Wethersfield, Newington and Rocky Hill. Presently, there is only one active member from South Windsor, Dave O’Neil. There are three slots that are vacant. The Cable Advisory Council is setup by State Statute and advise Cox Cable on issues such as the allocation of public access, equipment funds, channel line up changes, rate increases and rules for the Manchester studio. The Cable Advisory Council also fields a lot of consumer complaints through a P. O. Box and through the membership. If a customer is not able to address an issue with Cox Cable directly
they can go through this advisory council to try to resolve issues. Mr. Prouse again requested that South Windsor appoint three more members to the advisory council. Two are Town appointments and one appointment should be from the Board of Education. If there is anyone who is interested or would like to contact the Cable Advisory Council, they can do so by addressing correspondence to P.O. Box 1313, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
ITEM:
3. Public Participation
Mayor Delnicki requested that the Council Clerk check the appointments for this advisory council and check if those people who were previously sitting would like to continue. Mr. Prouse explained that other than Dave O’Neil, the other members do not want to continue on the commission.
Councillor Havens questioned if anyone has access to the public access channel without paying extra? Mr. Prouse explained that the advisory council feels this is a violation of State Statues and is presently working on this issue.
Ms. Nancy Yario, 20 Andresis Trail came forward. Ms. Yario explained that she and her husband are presently in the process of suing the Town of South Windsor regarding the Bark Park. This issue did not get approved properly through the proper Commissions and she stated she is concerned with the Park & Recreation’s involvement in this issue. Ms. Yario also discussed the necessity of the Town having a Recreation Facility.
4. Communications
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the discussion the Town Council had about the Community Center was strictly a discussion regarding space. The Town Council has to devise a plan that would address space needs for seniors. The enrollment for the schools is down so a discussion ensued regarding moving the pre-school program to open up space in the schools. This would free up space at the Community Center for seniors. There are no cuts in the budget regarding the pre-school.
5. Town Manager’s Report
Mr. Galligan stated that there was a WPCA Taskforce Sub-Committee meeting and a report will be put together for the WPCA Taskforce to review next Monday. A meeting will need to be scheduled in the future with the Town Council to review the report. One item is how the debt should be paid and the other is billing. The Sub-Committee has discussed billing on a quarterly basis using the actual usage that is being used. The Town Attorney is reviewing four or five municipal agreements with users that are not in South Windsor.
ITEM:
5. Town Manager’s Report
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the fee schedule is not going to be done in time for this year’s budget, but can be incorporated into next year’s budget. Mr. Galligan stated he would ask Water Pollution Control Authority when they will be setting their public hearing to set the sewer user fees. Councillor Yagaloff felt that the WPCA should not be making any decisions on the sewer user fees without recommendations from the sub-committee.
6. Special Business
A. Resolution Agreeing to a Joint Grant Application with the Town of Manchester
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to apply for a grant with the Town of Manchester, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to utilize the Inter-Town Capital Equipment Purchase Incentive Program; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor would jointly purchase and own a salt brine mixing tank and (2) truck mounted application tanks; and
WHEREAS, South Windsor’s cost share for the brine making and application equipment would not exceed $30,000.00 (thirty thousand dollars); and
WHEREAS, South Windsor and Manchester would share the cost of producing a salt brine solution for application in both Town’s based upon the amount of brine used by each Town
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, to enter into an agreement with the Town of Manchester to apply for the Inter-Town Capital Equipment Purchase Incentive Program for the purchase of salt brine producing and application equipment.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that in order to be a successful grant both Towns need to apply for this grant because it is a regional cooperation grant. The more Town’s that apply together, the more the chance are of getting the grant. East Hartford may also want to be a part of this program. If only Manchester and South Windsor go in on this it will cost South Windsor $27,258 but if East Hartford also participates it will cost South Windsor $21,156. This procedure may save on overtime because the roads can be pretreated during the day.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that these funds would be used out of this year’s budget and there would not be a negative impact.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Adopting the Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2012/2013
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $65,519,961, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2012 and terminating on June 30, 2013, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Councillor Prague
Councillor Snyder stated that the Board of Education did a great job identifying critical needs and putting together a transparent budget that not only meets the needs of education but also follows a strategic plan that has a new vision for learning. Councillor Snyder congratulated the Board of Education for brining forward a budget that rings true to the economic times yet takes strides moving forward.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the Board of Education lost federal funding but still managed to come forward with a small increase. The idea of this budget is to maintain programming for the schools. Councillor Yagaloff stated he would support this budget. Mr. Galligan said there were a few
ITEM:
6. B. (Continued)
inquiries regarding the Board of Education’s surplus and what will happen with the a surplus. Mr. Galligan stated that he feels that using the surplus towards pension is very responsible way to use the surplus.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated that he is glad to see funds going towards the educational expenses instead of professional expenses. It is hopeful that test scores continue to improve. Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that the Board of Education share with the Town Council what is planned for the surplus.
Chairperson David Joy of the Board of Education explained that the Board expects to have a surplus. As of March 27, 2012 the surplus reported to the public was $511,000. The highest priority is the funding of the non-certified pension plan to the minimum required contribution. If there are funds available beyond that, funds have been put into the reserve towards the health plan in the past but that is not anticipated at this time. Excess funds would go towards a list of buildings and facility projects.
Councillor Prague thanked Dr. Carter and the Board of Education for their hard work on this budget and stated he would fully support this budget.
Councillor McCann stated that the Town Council likes this budget and appreciates this budget. Councillor McCann thanked the Board of Education and the administration for a reasonable budget.
Councillor Havens said the budget is about the children and the cost that it may cost to educate them is very important. Councillor Havens thanked the Board of Education and the Superintendent for doing a great job.
Councillor Beaulieu stated that she is impressed with the budget because a lot is getting done with not a lot of dollars. The surplus being put back into the pension plan is very helpful to the Town and fiscally responsible way to use that surplus.
Mayor Delnicki felt this is a reasonable and responsible budget for the second year in a row and looks forward to a third year.
Mayor Delnicki asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to come forward and speak; there was none.
ITEM:
6. B. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano read two letters into the record, one from Mr. Richard Roback and one from Mr. and Mrs. Larry Torff as shown in attached Exhibit A and B.
Answering further questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that he feels the way the Board of Education is proposing to use their surplus is fiscally responsible. There are other concerns for the future such as mandates that are coming which are good, but there are no operating costs associated with them. Capital needs should be discussed and how that will affect programs and operating costs. Mr. Galligan felt that the fund balance should not be used but the surplus should take care of what the fund balance would.
Chairperson Joy stated that the Town has five elementary schools that plans need to be devised to bring them into compliance with handicap accessibility and special needs accessibility which can be discussed in the future. There may be funds available from federal monies, but a plan needs to be developed first.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Discussion Item: Park & Recreation Department (Skate Park, additional water features at VMP and security issue at VMP)
Mr. Ray Favreau, Director of Park & Recreation explained that after last weeks meeting it was felt that the Town Council would like to see some progress regarding capital projects within the Park & Recreation Commission’s Master Plan of Development. There are seven suggested capital projects, as shown in attached Exhibit C., for the Council’s consideration for potential lifting of the current spending freeze. All of the line items are things that appeal to a variety of needs and a few that address problems that need addressing. Mr. Favreau explained that Lawrence Road is being done in-house at a substantial smaller cost. Mr. Favreau reviewed the listing of projects that are being proposed.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Favreau explained that there is $451,000 in the Park & Recreation project account.
ITEM:
6. C. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan stated that there would be no impact on the taxpayer because these funds are in the capital budget already. When a spending freeze is in place, all funds in every account are frozen.
Mayor Delnicki requested that the skate park be put out to bid at $95,000 so there will not be any issues with prevailing wages. Mr. Favreau stated that he would do that.
Mr. Favreau felt that the Town could have someone in a couple of weeks begin designing for the skate park. The Town would have to go out to bid for the contractor with a design build contract.
Mr. Galligan stated that volunteers could be used for this project but would need the Town Engineer to work closely with the project. The additional items of the project that could not be done voluntarily could then go out to bid.
Mr. Favreau explained that the preliminary site that was reviewed for the skate park is at Timothy Edwards Middle School over by the existing tennis courts. Clearing may have to be done to accommodate the skate park but the skate park could be shaped differently. The fencing at My Friends Place would separate the playground from the upper parking lot and would keep the kids from running out into the parking lot. The price for the handicap ramp and the connector trails is based on materials. Most of the work on those projects would be done in-house.
Councillor Anwar stated that as he goes through the seven items he notes that these projects are addressing a lot of the needs which will have an effect on a number of different segments of our community in a positive way. Councillor Anwar said he was inclined to support this.
Councillor McCann explained that the connector paths have been a focus of the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways. A meeting has been set up with John Caldwell to discuss the entire list of connector paths and to come up with a long range plan for the development of the whole list in the next two years. The connector paths will lead from one neighborhood to another or from a neighborhood to a park.
ITEM:
6. C. (Continued)
Mr. Favreau explained that the Parks & Recreation Department were not able to refurbish the tennis courts at Rye Street Park last year. The Rye Street Park was felt to be the most appropriate place to put in youth tennis courts and pickle ball because putting extra lines on the courts at the high school or Wapping would create difficulty with the AICA regulations. Mr. Favreau stated he would be meeting with the individuals that would like pickle ball to discuss a short term plan. All of the projects on this list will take approximately one to two years to finish.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would like these voted on as individual projects on the agenda at the next meeting. These projects should be built as soon as possible.
Mr. Favreau stated that the Park & Recreation Commission has reviewed these projects and are in agreement for these projects to go forward. It would be hopeful to get more neighborhood connectors done but that would need to be evaluated more.
Councillor Snyder felt that the project list gives a little bit of something to many different user groups and she would be supporting these projects.
Councillor Havens stated he supports all of these projects but feels it is not the appropriate time to be putting these projects forward.
Councillor Prague felt that even though times are tough, the Town has allocated these funds so these projects will not cost the taxpayers any more money. Councillor Prague stated he would support spending some of the funds on the list.
Public
Ms. Nancy Yario, 20 Andresis Trail came before the Town Council. She stated that there are a lot of needs for recreation facilities in Town and feels the Town should review creating a new recreation facility.
After a lengthy discussion regarding the different projects on the list, Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on each project. Six out of the seven projects were voted by consensus to be voted on at the next meeting as follows: Skate
ITEM:
6. C. (Continued)
Park, water features at VMP, safety fencing at My Friend’s Place, handicap rail at VMP, neighborhood connectors paths (Andreis Trail to Carriage Drive, Nevers Road to Abbe Road Extension and Autumn Drive to Tallwood Drive), and youth tennis /pickle ball courts.
Mayor Delnicki stated that since there was $46,500 that will not be coming forward out of the $451,000, Mr. Favreau can come back to the Council for another discussion on a different item.
7. Executive Session
At 9:28 p.m. Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a draft agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-210(b)(1) and §1-210(b)(4), (Hi-G building). Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Anwar, Beaulieu, Havens, McCann, Prague, Snyder, Yagaloff, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan and Town Attorney Dwight Johnson.
At 9:55 p.m. Councillor Snyder made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
6. New Business (Continued)
D. Discussion Item – General Government Budget 2012/2013
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that when the revised budget was higher than the approved budget in Public Works 2010/2011 that was because items may have been moved around or a grant may have been used for a project. Funds may have also been moved around to accommodate the split of Parks and Public Works. Prices are estimated on projects and then when the project goes out to bid and comes in at a lower price then what was estimated, this may be the reason why there is a surplus from an actual cost.
ITEM:
6. D. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that the Town Council receive the amount of salt that was used for 2010/2011.
Mr. Galligan explained that any surplus from the salt budget goes back into fund balance at the end of the year. The Town over estimates our expenses and things may come in at a reduced cost then what is estimated. If something is constantly over estimated, the next year will be estimated less. A large part of the Town budget is not discretionary.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that an explanation be given to the Town Council regarding the purchasing of 3,000 tons of salt. The Town has never gone through that much and he would like to know why that much is being requested when the shed is almost full.
Mayor Delnicki stated he requested to have a projection on the surplus of the current Public Work’s budget by May 1, 2012.
Councillor McCann stated he has a concern regarding the Public Work’s 14.22% change in the Street Services budget last year. The Town Council needs to take a look at that increase to determine if everything is necessary. This can be discussed at the next Town Council meeting.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano questions the substantial bump in salaries between 2009/2010 to 2010/2011? Mr. Galligan explained that bump was due to overtime being eliminated from Supervisors. Their salaries were bumped up to be competitive with other Towns as well as within the Town of South Windsor.
The Town used to have a merit system, but that was a policy that was eliminated because of economic times. Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated he would like a merit system in place. Mr. Galligan stated that the unions would never have a merit system.
ITEM:
6. D. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated that there are four supervisors who make about $345,000 per year. These supervisors have lost about 30% of their staff because Parks is not part of their responsibility any more. Deputy Mayor Bazzano suggested that a position or level be eliminated or someone be moved to the Fleet Supervisor position. Mr. Galligan explained that these positions are all important and there are safety requirements that need to be adhered to. The Fleet Manager has not been refilled and those job requirements have been divided up amongst the other supervisors.
Mr. Galligan explained that he can not have four supervisors only on call and he has asked the bargaining unit to use Maintainer III’s to be on call. This will spread out the on-call service in the Town. The budget will have to be watched carefully.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano felt that the Town needs to reorganize to make the Department more efficient.
Councilor Yagaloff felt that when someone leaves a position, that position should not be filled and staff should be reorganized to take on the work from that position. Mr. Galligan stated that the Town has eliminated seven key managers. The Town Council should not make the mistake of cutting positions which will have an affect on services eventually.
8. Adjournment
At 10:42 p.m. Councillor McCann made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
| 
